‘My daughter will be very proud’: Lionel Messi’s team-mates pay heartfelt tribute

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates at the end of the World Cup soccer quarterfinal against the Netherlands in Lusail, Qatar, Dec. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan, File) NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football has drawn emotional tributes from his Argentina teammates, who have thanked the legendary captain for his guidance, friendship and role in their greatest achievements.Goalkeeper Emi Martinez praised Messi for helping him become a world champion, while Angel Di Maria thanked him for choosing Argentina and taking the country “to the top of the world”.Rodrigo highlighted Messi’s dedication and humanity, saying: “Your unconditional love for our country, your inner struggles to never give up, your strength to always endure injustice, your leadership and humanity with every player who entered the training ground to make sure they were comfortable and the care you showed to every member of our national team… We just thank you. The biggest of all, you can imagine the smiles imagine. You are eternal.”Lysander’s tribute was particularly personal. “My daughter will be very proud that her father shared a team with such an extraordinary human being,” he wrote, calling Messi “the greatest athlete in history.”Lautaro Martinez also thanked Messi for the lessons he gave the team outside of football. “Thank you for every piece of advice, every conversation, every practice, every hug and every shared moment. Thank you for making history with us and allowing us to be a part of your story. We will miss you so much, Captain. We will be forever grateful to have shared this journey with you. Thank you for everything, Captain,” Martinez said.

Messi closes Argentina’s chapter

Leandro Paredes admitted he was “not prepared” for the announcement and called Messi a great teammate and friend.Messi announced his retirement more than a month after Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain and shortly after the death of his father, Jorge Messi.“After so long since the final and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I am quitting the national team. It was a decision that hurts and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” wrote Messi in his retirement.Messi leaves Argentina as its most played player and top scorer with 203 appearances and 124 goals.He won the Copa America and 2022 World Cup titles in 2021 and 2024. He will continue to play for Inter Miami in the MLS.